Keeping pace with the modern transportation needs, the newly elected Tamil Nadu government has decided to expand the Chennai Metro Rail facility across the city. Pegged at an estimated cost of Rs 44,000 crore, the feasibility report has been accepted by the government. The first service from Koyambedu to Alandur was thrown open in June last year and the extension till airport is likely to be completed in the next few months. The extension of Phase 1 estimated at Rs 3700 crore has been approved by the Central government. This extends through the thickly populated areas of Washermenpet till Wimco Nagar.

The entire project is funded by various agencies/loans. Around 59 per cent is from a Japan Bank for International Cooperation’s loan, while 30 per cent equity is shared by the centre and state governments equally. The balance is mobilised through subordinate debt, of which

5 per cent from the Centre and 5.78 per cent from Tamil Nadu.

The Metro, along with other public transports, is expected to ease off the stress on roads.

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